The Oscar winning actor was found dead in the bathroom of his New York apartment.

A law enforcement official told The New York Times that Mr Hoffman was found with a syringe in his arm and an envelope with what is thought to be heroin.

The actor entered rehab last year for a drug problem including heroin use.

TRAGIC: Philip Seymour Hoffman was described by his peers as one of the greatest actors of his generation [PA]

“He was found dead in his bathroom of an apparent drug overdose”

A New York Police Department spokesman

It was the second time he entered rehab, the first being after he graduated from university.

A New York Police Department spokesman said: "He was found dead in his bathroom of an apparent drug overdose."

The Boogie Nights and Hunger Games star won the Best Actor Oscar in 2005 for his role in Capote.

He was also nominated three times for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar and received three Tony Award nominations for his stage roles.

The actor's family said they were devastated by the "tragic and sudden loss" of Mr Hoffman.

In a statement they said: "We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Phil and appreciate the outpouring of love and support we have received from everyone.

"This is a tragic and sudden loss and we ask that you respect our privacy during this time of grieving. Please keep Phil in your thoughts and prayers."

AWARD WINNER: Philip Seymour Hoffman clinched the Best Actor Oscar for his role in Capote [AP/SONY PICTURES CLASSICS]

Comedian Ricky Gervais was among one of the first celebrities to take to Twitter and pay tribute to Mr Hoffman.

The Office and Extra star tweeted: "Such shocking & sad news. RIP Philip Seymour Hoffman. One of the greatest actors of a generation and a sweet, funny & humble man."

Veteran British actor John Hurt said Mr Hoffman's death was a "devastating loss" at the London Critics' Circle Film Awards event yesterday evening.

Mr Hurt, who starred with Mr Hoffman in 2003 film Owning Mahowny, said: "It's a devastating loss. His contribution was massive."

HOLLYWOOD STAR: Philip Seymour Hoffman with George Clooney [PA]

Alan Partridge star Steve Coogan, who was also at the event in the capital, said: "There are actors and there are movie stars and sometimes they're both but he was an actor first and a movie star second, although he was a movie star."He did some tremendous work. Everything he was in he raised the quality of his film just by his presence.

"People have different opinions about actors but you wouldn't find anybody who would have a bad word to say about any of his performances, they were all incredibly nuanced."

HUGE TALENT: Philip Seymour Hoffman with Joaquin Phoenix in a scene from The Master [AP]

Former England footballer Gary Lineker also tweeted: "Philip Seymour Hoffman's death is so sad. One of the World's greatest actors. Privileged to have seen him on Broadway. A terrible loss #RIP."

Mr Hoffman starred in a number of critically acclaimed movies such as Boogie Nights, The Master and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.

He is survived by his partner Mimi O'Donnell, their son Cooper Alexander and two daughters Tallulah and Willa.